Page 13

"Admit it," Felix said.

"Admit what?" I asked, glancing at him.

"You're having fun."

Strangely, I was.

Essie's 50 th birthday party was turning out to be one of my favorites. It was more enjoyable than I thought it would be, and I was still trying to figure out why. My anxiety wasn't acting up like it typically did. I didn't feel completely out of my depth—even though it was a new situation that I couldn't control. One w ith people.

A lot of people.

And yet…

"It's been nice," I said, and he scoffed.

"I call BS."

"On what?"

"You told me you have a party threshold of 4 0 minutes," he said then glanced at his watch. "It's been over an hour."

"I mean, Essie seems like she's having fun, and the atmosphere really works for me."

To emphasize my point, I sank back farther into the dim corner we were currently occupying. The restaurant/bar was called The Lucky Horseshoe , and it had a certain charm about it while also being a little seedy. The band onstage was decent. People were out on the dance floor—including London, who was currently living her best dance life, swaying and grooving to the music seemingly without a care in the world . The food smelled amazing. Hayden, Elliot, Ryker, and Santino were partaking in what looked like every appetizer on the menu—along with Essie's birthday cake which had five tiers and a replica of the HERS tour bus on top. But the best part was this corner , far enough away from the crowd to feel safe, close enough that it didn't look like I was being anti-social. Felix clicked his tongue, looking me up and down.

"What?" I said.

"If you wanted to hide in the shadows, you should've worn a different dress," he said.

As if he'd summoned them, two women began heading straight for us. One of them was Essie, but the other I didn't recognize. She looked stylish and well-off. Even from here the diamonds in her ears shined like stars.

"Alright, don't panic," Felix muttered . "Maybe if we don't move she won't see us."

"Felix!" the woman said with a wave. "Felix, stay there. Don't make me chase you."

He groaned.

"Who is she?" I whispered.

"Hayden's grandma, Constance Davenport."

I straightened from the wall. "Should I know who that is?"

"If you don't, you will after this."

The women reached our spot, and Constance looked us over while Essie gave me a big smile.

"Glad you could make it," the driver said.

"Sorry, I was late," I said and gestured to her. "I like your birthday girl sash."

"It's a little too frou frou for me, but my friend here insisted."

Constance released a laugh that tinkled like bells . "The sash is a must , Essie . You only turn 50 once."

She turned her assessing eyes on Felix.

"Thought you could hide from me, but you were mistaken," she said.

"Would I do that?" he said.

"Yes."

Felix grinned.

"You're lucky I find your efforts charming if futile ." Her eyes moved to me, and she added, " Is anyone going to introduce us?"

"I thought you might want to do that yourself," he said.

"As with most things, I am better at it than anyone. But since this is our first meeting…"

She lifted an expectant brow at Felix, and he cleared his throat.

"Aurora," he said, "please allow me to present Constance Davenport, the number one wedding planner in the U.S."

"Technically, the world."

I almost laughed, realized she was serious and swallowed it down.

"The world," Felix corrected. His bright eyes shifted to me. "Like I told you, Constance is Hayden's grandmother, who we all call Gigi."

"Because I may as well be their grandma as well," she put in.

He gave a nod of agreement. "Gigi, this is—"

"Aurora Kent," she said before he could finish. "Violinist , your girlfriend, and newest member of the HERS tour. I've heard all about you."

She held out her hand with the grace of a queen, and for a second, I didn't know whether to shake it, kiss it or curtsy. Deciding she'd respect strength over anything, I took her hand in mine and gave it a firm shake.

"Hi," I said then promptly ran out of words.

"Hello," she replied.

We stood there staring at each other a moment.

Then she added, "Is that a Vera Wang, dear?"

Glancing down at myself, I shook my head. "I'm not sure. Mercury got the dress for me."

Constance nodded her approval. "You wear her well."

"Thank you, Mrs. Davenport."

Seeing my blush, she shook her head. "It is nice to finally meet the other half of AF."

"Most people call us Ferora," I said.

"AF sounds better."

"That's what I said," Felix replied.

She shrugged. "Plus it puts the lady first—which my boys will always do. Isn't that right, Felix?"

"You know it."

Essie directed a beaming smile at him. "He's a good boy, our Felix."

"Yes . Yes , he is," Constance agreed. Her gaze fell on me once more . " Felix, will you kindly get me a glass of sparkling water?"

"But—"

"My throat is so parched I feel I might faint if I don't get a drink nearly this second."

Felix narrowed his gaze then said, "Sure, Gigi. No problem. " To me, he added, "You want anything?"

"No," I said then quietly spoke into his ear, "but come back soon please."

"You got it."

As he walked away, the three of us watched him go . Almost the instant he was out of earshot , Constance aka Gigi turned back to me with a smile that was all pearly white teeth. "As HERS's top supporter, both financially and emotionally, as well as a fan-mentor-guardian angel if you will of all of my boys, including Felix, I feel I'm entitled to ask. Is this thing between you and him real or not?"

"Constance"—Essie shook her head—"why would you ask the girl that?"

"Because I've heard chatter, both from you and in the online AF Ferora fan group."

My eyes widened. "There's an online group about us?"

Constance waved that away. " There are several, dear, but I only follow the one with the juiciest info. So? Which is it? Real or not?"

I shook my head. "I'm not sure what you want me to say, Mrs. Davenport. If Essie told you how this all started, you know the answer already."

"Yes, but things change."

I swallowed.

"Do you like the boy?" she asked.

"Of course, I do," I said.

Constance nodded. "Good, and when the time comes, will you be honest with him about your feelings?"

"I…I'm not sure I'm ready to be honest with myself yet."

A truthful answer if not the one she wanted.

"Plus, I doubt Felix feels the same way about me."

She sighed deeply. "Why are young people so…"

"Wishy-washy?" Essie supplied.

"Sensitive?" I tried.

"Stupid," Constance said finally. "Why are young people so stupid? Especially when it comes to love? "

"I don't know. " I thought about it a second then added, " Maybe it's because we're still naive enough to think we can protect ourselves from getting our hearts broken. Even though, love really is the only thing worth living for. "

She gave me a slow smile. "Now that was a good answer."

"Thanks."

"Told you I liked her," Essie put in.

Constance tilted her head. " Aurora, you play in a string group with your cousins. Is that correct?"

I blinked. "Yes, ma 'am."

"The Kent Cousins has a nice ring to it," she added.

" I can't believe you've heard of us," I said with a genuine smile. Scarlett—who basically founded the group—and the girls were going to go crazy when they found out.

"I know everything." Constance reached into her purse and held out a card which I took with an air of disbelief. "Here's my card. If you ever want to get into the wedding business, give me a ring. We're always looking for new musical talent."

Before I could say more than "thank you," she and Essie started walking away. A second later, Felix appeared at my side with a glass of water in hand. I took it from him and downed half of it in one swallow.

"Whoa," he said. "You thirsty?"

"Not really," I said then took another drink.

"I'm guessing the talk with Gigi went well."

"It was interesting."

London jogged over then and shook her head. "Wow, the Constance Davenport. How'd that conversation go?"

"Honestly?" I said. "I'm still recovering."

"It's okay, Aurora." She patted my back. "The woman inspires awe and a hint of fear wherever she goes."

"Only a hint?" Constance called out from a few feet away, and we looked at her with wide eyes as she laughed.

London shook her head, mumbling, "She has to be superhuman."

"Maybe she can read lips," I said.

"She's amazing and terrifying," London went on. "Everything I want to be when I grow up."

"Yeah."

Linking her arm through mine, she gave Felix a look. "I'm stealing your girlfriend for a dance."

Felix crossed his arms. "Fine, but just the one."

"You snooze you lose, Fe."

As she dragged me away, I said quietly, "Seriously, London, I hate dancing in public."

"One song," she said. "Please? I've been out here by myself pretty much all night . Unless you count the creepy older men who've hit on me."

"How could you not count them?" I joked.

She gave me a pleading look.

Relenting, I said, "Okay, but only one."

London whooped then did exactly as promised, swaying with me to the music. Her smile was infectious, and even though I was still self-conscious, it wasn't so terrible being out here with my friend. Until she released a long sigh, and I realized she wasn't as happy as she was acting.

"What's wrong?" I said.

"Nothing," she replied.

"London, I'm a terrible dancer. If it's embarrassing you, I can leave."

"Nice try." Her bright smile made a brief reappearance before it dimmed. "It's not you, Aurora. I'm just sad."

"About what?"

"My life," she said. "My lack of a love life, my inability to move on. Take your pick."

Looking over her shoulder, I caught sight of the guys. Felix had joined them, but my eyes moved to his big, brooding brother. And Ryker was definitely brooding as he watched London.

"Looks like you're not the only one who can't move on," I said.

"What do you mean?"

"Ryker's been staring at you all night."

"Whatever, no, he hasn't."

"Um yeah. I've been people watching while he's been London watching."

She scoffed.

"He's doing it right now," I said.

Smoothly, London pushed her hair back over her shoulder, glancing back at the same time. I watched as their two gazes collided, held , burned with something unspoken between them—and then Ryker scowled before tearing his eyes away.

"What happened with you two?" I asked.

London sighed. "Are you sure you want to know?"

I nodded.

"For years, I used Fe to try and make him jealous," she said with a shrug. "It only made him angry. He hates me now."

"Wait, Felix?" It took me a second to wrap my mind around the situation, but once I did, not going to lie. I felt a little nauseous. "You used Ryker's little brother to make him jealous."

"I'm not proud of it, Aurora. But I probably would've done it again on this tour if you hadn't been here. It's been my MO for so long , and Fe was in on it. He never seemed to mind ."

"London, that's…"

" Gross? Disgusting? Too wrong for words?" she said. "I know. And I'm sorry, more sorry than you'll ever know."

I shook my head. "Have you told Ryker that?"

She laughed, but the sound was hollow, none of her usual joy there at all.

"No," she said.

"Why not?"

"Even if I did, he'll never forgive me."

I put a hand on her shoulder. "I don't think you're giving him or yourself enough credit."

London gave me a cautiously hopeful look. "Really?"

"Well yeah, you're amazing, and Ryker is a good guy."

I lifted my brows.

"I'm also almost positive he's in love with you. He'd forgive you based on that alone."

"You think so?"

"I do."

London surprised me by pulling me in for a hug. "Thanks, Aurora. You're a good friend, and I knew I'd grow on you eventually."

Smiling as I leaned back, I said, "You're welcome. Now, can I go back to my corner please? I feel like I've been exposed too long."

She grinned at something over my shoulder then said, "I see more dancing in your future."

"What?"

"Wish his brother would look at me like that." With a sigh, she slipped away just as Felix took her place. He stood in front of me, and as a new slow song started, he held out his hand.

"Dance with me, princess?"

The world faded until there was nothing but us.

"Okay," I murmured.

As I placed my hand in his, and his long fingers curled around mine, the music seemed to swell. His other hand went to my waist, mine to his shoulder. His cheek pressed lightly against the side of my forehead. My body seemed to fit against his perfectly. And we moved, swayed, became the music together in a way I never had with another person. I closed my eyes, wanting more than anything to memorize this moment, to lock it away in my mind, to remember him, us just like this.

On that dance floor, there was no faking.

I allowed myself to feel every second.

Felix didn't say a word. Neither did I. We didn't have to.

Because with every heartbeat, every breath, every flex of our fingers, every brush of his lips against my cheek as he nuzzled closer, we understood each other. We were two hearts beating as one. In perfect harmony.

Slow dancing with Felix Cordova was bliss.

The song seemed to last forever but ended way too soon.

As we pulled apart, I looked up at Felix completely at a loss.

He looked a little lost as well.

Before either of us could recover, Santino came over and tapped Felix on the shoulder.

"Sorry to interrupt," he said. "But Essie made a special request."

I vaguely registered him shooting me an apologetic look.

"She wants us to play that cover you did of Arctic Monkeys . You down for it?"

"Yeah," Felix said, still staring at me. "I'll be there in a sec ond."

"Cool. The band said we can use their instruments."

"Sounds good."

Without further ado, Santino left, and Felix ran a hand through his hair.

"Princess, that was…"

"You better get up there," I cut in. "Wouldn't want to let the birthday girl down."

He tilted his head. "We'll talk about this later."

"Okay. But now, you have to play."

"See you in a few minutes."

"Can't wait," I said brightly.

Felix gave me a nod, and after he turned to start walking to the stage, it felt like my whole body deflated . Had I been holding my breath th e whole time? I wondered. Not physically possible, and I knew we'd exchanged words, so that was a no. But the dance seemed to fill me up, and his absence left me bereft. I returned to my corner, trying to reclaim the calm I'd found in the shadows. As Felix and HERS started playing a rendition of Arctic Monkeys' Do I Wanna Know? I thought I'd almost found it.

But then someone joined me.

"Hey," he said. It was a man in his 30s, brown hair, average build, wearing a t-shirt shirt and jeans. I didn't think he was here for Essie's party. "How you doing?"

"Fine," I said.

"You here by yourself?"

"No, I'm here for a birthday."

"Is it yours?"

I shook my head.

" How old are you anyway?" The man gestured to my hand and the big black X there. "Got you marked up. Must be too young to drink."

"Yeah, I'm 17," I said then immediately wished I hadn't.

The way he smiled, eyeing me up and down, made me want to bleach my skin off. "You want to dance?"

"No, but thank you."

I tried to say it as nicely as possible, I really did. But it didn't matter. The guy's face twisted as he went from pleasant to angry in two seconds flat.

"Think you're too good for me?" he said.

Shifting away quickly, I said, "No, I don't."

He laughed, coming closer, blocking my escape. "You think you're hot shit in that dress , huh?"

I shook my head while discreetly reaching inside my purse . "Can you move, please? I want to go join my friends."

"Why? You don't like talking to me?"

"I…" Taking a deep breath, I centered myself or tried to . "I'm leaving now. "

He laughed as I tried to walk past him, stepping in front of me.

"Please get out of my way."

"Or what?"

When I didn't respond, his nasty smile reappeared.

"Or what?" he repeated.

Frowning, I tried to rush past, but he grabbed my arm in a bruising grip . Lifting my purse, I came down on his hand as hard as I could, and with a scream, he backed away. Apparently his scream got a lot of attention because at some point the music stopped. I kept going until I ran into someone who smelled like fresh flowers and honey. London looked from me to the man and back again, taking note of the red finger-shaped marks on my arm . "Are you okay, Aurora?" she asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I lied.

" Hey," she got right up in the guy's face and yelled. "Did you lay hands on my friend?"

"No," he muttered.

"I think you did."

"Whatever."

"You're a creep," she said, pointing at his chest, still so close as if she wasn't afraid at all. "When a woman says no, she means it—especially when it's to a creep like you."

He was red-faced and furious. "You can't talk to me like that."

"I'll talk however I want . It's a free country."

"Bitch."

London drew back then opened her mouth like she was really going to lay into him—but before she could, a dark shadow fell over her.

"What'd you just say?"

The deep voice belonged to Ryker . H is eyes were shooting fire.

"Relax, Ry, I've got this," London said.

But the drummer was having none of it.

"What'd you call her?"

As a few men I hadn't noticed before circled around the creep, seeming to come to his defense, he looked up at Ryker without fear . "I said she's a bitch. Because she is."

"That's what I thought you said," Ryker muttered.

Felix was suddenly at my side, but he didn't look at me. He only had eyes for the idiot who didn't know when to shut up.

"You grabbed my girlfriend," he said in a deadly quiet voice.

"And?" the creep said. "She crushed my hand. We're even."

"Not even close."

I didn't know who threw the first punch, but all hell broke loose after that. The rest of the band got into it , the crew too; London kept trying to jump into the fray, but Ryker held her back each time . I vaguely heard Constance and Essie hollering encouragement in the background. Security broke it up but not before I watched Felix hammer a punch into the creep's face. Looked like it hurt . When I added this day to my tour diary, it would look something like this.

First slow dance.

First bar fight.

Hundredth reminder of why I hated parties.

This night couldn't end fast enough.